A study funded by the Oral Health Funders Collaborative of Oregon and Southwest Washington and conducted by Oregon Health & Science University and the University of Washington used data from 2010 to examine the connection between emergency department (ED) visits and dental health problems in Oregon state.

The study concludes that ED visits for dental conditions are common, particularly for uninsured Oregonians. (Uninsured Oregonians are eight times more likely to visit emergency departments for dental problems.) ED visits for dental conditions reflect a lack of access to dental care, ED visits for dental care are unlikely to cure the patient's dental problem, and failure to provide access to dental care may add cost to the healthcare system.

Northwest Health Foundation

By providing grants to initiatives, forming partnerships with health and community leaders, and advocating for policy change, we are furthering our vision of giving every person the opportunity to lead a healthy life.